By Simone Tull
The air was energised as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) continued to awaken the festival spirit in the heart of local communities with the Crop Over Sweet Limes.
Last weekend the show travelled to Fowlie’s Bar in Parish Land, Christ Church where the ladies of soca put on a fantastic show on Friday night. This was followed on Saturday with one big feting family night at Thelma’s Bar at River Land in St. Philip which featured an all-male cast.
Soca Queen Allison Hinds was in fine form.
Now in its second week, the limes have been drumming up momentum as the word spread. On Saturday night cars lined the street to the venue.
Swaggy
As expected, Red Plastic Bag, a favourite, especially among the southern communities, dominated the stage. The vibe was electric and the excitement was palpable when he emerged. Like moths to a flame, patrons immediately drew closer as the familiar strains of Ragga Ragga started. The stalwart then blessed the gathering with a rendition of I’m Alive and then fans joined him in the refrain of If Ah Sweet Sweet Ah Sweet and Something’s Happening.
Statement
Not to be outdone by his younger compatriots in the cast, he added some pace to his selections with the up-tempo Volcano. Dripping in sweat, he climbed down from the stage to get up close with the party goers as he sang Boatride. The veteran performer had his fans gyrating to the ground as they ‘dropped anchor’.
Marzville
Mikey also delivered an energetic set which kept the crowd hyped. A constant at many of the season’s events so far, his picks included All Ova De Place, Come Together and Enjoy Meh Life. He also teamed up with Blood on Roll It. Members of the Grass Skirt Posse joined him on stage as he ended with Waistline Therapy, his Crop Over 2023 release with Edwin Yearwood.
Coopa Dan
Patrons also had the opportunities to travel back to the glory days of Square One when Blood performed Kitty Cat and Turn it Around. He also did the newer high-energy Parade.
Bashment soca artiste Freshie.
Among the soca contingent was Coopa Dan who came to not only deliver some ‘bashment’ but also brought a message with the introspective Reflections and Rain. His set included Question of the Year, Get Short and new track Options. The audience thoroughly enjoyed his collaboration of Same One with the sweet singing Shaquille.
Nikita was all energy.
Couples pulled each other close as they reminisced with Statement as he performed Ah Wanna Be and If I Can’t Be with You. As he performed All Night Till Morning and Gimme Room he made his way through the crowd.
Other performers included Marzville, Swaggy and Freshie whose segment included Bashment Garden, Horn Uh Get Horn.
Next weekend the Crop Over Sweet Limes are scheduled to take place at White Rabbit at Drax Hall, St. George and Quinzel’s Kitchen and Tamarind Bar at the Bay Street Esplanade. (STT)
